Rice County, Kansas
Rice County is located in the heart of central Kansas, where wide-open fields stretch across the landscape and the towns are small but full of life.
Lyons, the county seat, is a friendly community with a rich agricultural history. U.S. Highway 56 runs through the county, providing a route for travelers heading east or west.
With about 9,500 residents, Rice County is a place where farming is king. Wheat, corn, and soybeans dominate the landscape. But it’s not all work and no play. Quivira National Wildlife Refuge offers incredible birdwatching and a peaceful escape into nature.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Rice County |
| County Seat | Lyons |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Samuel A. Rice, prominent Union Civil War general |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Lyons, Sterling, Alden, Chase, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 56, U.S. Highway 281, K-96 |
| FIPS Code | 20-159 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,230 square miles (land: 1,229 sq mi, water: 1 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ellsworth County (North), McPherson County (East), Reno County (South), Stafford County (Southwest), Barton County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| Population | 9,500 |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.33°N, 98.22°W |
| Major Landmarks | Rice County Historical Society Museum, Lyons Main Street Historic District, and Sterling College. |
